Accidentally damaged engine block removing alternator?

Tiny
WALLY AB
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • MANUAL
  • 135,000 MILES
Me and a friend were replacing the alternator on the car listed above and the bottom wouldn't budge. After prying and prying, the bottom wouldn't move. I thought the alternator was unbolted but it was the bolt for the tensioner.

After removing the wrong bolt for the bracket and prying, it took a small chuck out the bottom hole where the bracket mounts.

I bolted the top piece and used JB weld steelstik but the bottom bolt isn't threaded.

After putting everything back together there are no issues, but I'm worried about the tensioner bolted to the bottom bracket breaking the top hole.

Should I fix it or just leave it as it is?
Monday, June 10th, 2024 AT 9:30 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,463 POSTS
If you have the piece that broke off, I would suggest a temporary fix of cleaning the area well, then finding a stud long enough to thread into the block through the tensioner, then using a drill bit to remove the threads in the piece that broke off. Now rough up the block and the broken piece. Next use the stud to pull the piece in tight and try to align it as close as possible. Coat the broken piece and block with the JB and let it cure. Now reinstall the tensioner. The long stud into the block will pull the tensioner, the piece and the block together instead of the original bolt. Then with the upper bolt it should hold until you can decide on a different repair.
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Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 AT 7:09 AM
Tiny
WALLY AB
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  • 97 POSTS
I checked and told my buddy about it, and he doesn't seem too concerned. I did have most of attached in between and the mount but not threaded.

I think using a bolt a little larger would work but it seems fine. I'm only concerned about the force from the tensioner on the bracket.
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Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 AT 12:42 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,463 POSTS
That is why I suggested the longer stud, it would screw into the threads farther and support the other parts.
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Tuesday, June 11th, 2024 AT 4:02 PM

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